SOLAR PANEL (PV) SYSTEMS

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) modules generate electricity directly from sunlight via the photovoltaic effect which occurs in some semiconductors. Electrons in these materials are freed by photons ( sunlight ) and can be induced to travel through an electrical circuit, powering electric devices, charging a battery or sending electricity to the grid.

How solar panels work

Technology overview

Sun light hits layers of semi-conducting material ( usually crystalline silicon cells ) in the panel and starts to generate electricity. The electricity is transported via cables to the inverter. The inverter converts the DC current into usable AC current. Groups of cells are mounted together in panels and can be installed on your roof or on a ground mounted array.

Solar PV requires very little maintenance once the system is commissioned.

The expected lifespan of a system is approximately 20 years.

The government pays you for the energy you generate.

Excess energy generated can be exported back to the grid.

Payment of export tariff based on energy you feed back to grid.

(This is deemed at 50% for systems below 30kW)

Domestic Solar panel systems

Most UK homes have a single phase electricity conneciton. Under G-83 (similar to permitted development but for solar) you can feed back up 16A per phase. With a single phase conneciton this means ( 16A x 230V = 3.68kW AC), this is why a 4kW DC system is very common on domestic propertys as this size works well with a 3.68 kW AC output inverter. If you want to connect a larger system you would need to request permission from your DNO ( District network operator ), this can take up to 12 weeks and would be submitted by us on your behalf.

Commercial Solar panel systems

For commercial systems in general the best financial return will come from putting larger systems in place. We can help size a system to your needs, taking into account grid connection limits, energy usage, roof area and strength and financial incentive tariff break points. We will assess sites at no cost and give you an overview of options around self-funded systems, leased options and for larger energy users we can help arrange a Power purchasing agreement so that the cost of the system is borne by a project finance company.

If you are interested in Photovoltaics or you have a project you would like to discuss with us the please get in contact with us by going to our contact page or clicking on the button below:

In roof solar

We have substantial experiance designing and installing aesthetically pleasing in roof solar PV systems. This system is most popular on slate roof's, here you can save the cost of slate behind the panels and the finish is outstanding. These systems can be fitted at no extra cost compared to an on roof system when a new roof is being fitted. We tend to use high quality Tier 1 all black panels with these systems to give the best finish at a good price.

An in roof system can be a great option on a pitched room. For the best return on investment these should be used on new build or when the roof is being replaced but can also be retro fit on existing roofs.

We can work with all in roof systems and all solar panels and so can make the system as bespoke to your requirements s needed.